India’s Amjyot Singh and Amritpal Singh to play in BJ Challenge Summer League

Vishnu is a corporate lawyer, who used to work at one of India’s leading corporate law firms, before quitting his job to pursue his passion for sports and his dreams of entrepreneurship. A dedicated student of the game of basketball, he is the go-to guy for all things NBA and International Basketball. An avid player of the game – he is never far from a basketball court, whichever city he is in. He is keen on bringing Indian sports, outside of cricket, onto the global stage and hopes to bring due respect to Indian sportspersons. Email: vishnu@ekalavyas.com. Twitter: @vishnu_r_s

In a historic move, two of India’s most talented basketball players, Amjyot Singh Gill and Amritpal Singh, have been selected to showcase their talents in the BJ Challenge Summer League in Japan. The two big men will be playing for Hyogo Impulse owned by Ashiya University in Hyogo, Japan. This will be a paid assignment for both players.

Amjyot Singh Gill with a winning dunk at the Slam Dunk Competition at the 2014-15 Senior National Basketball Championship

The BJ Challenge Summer League takes place during the offseason of Japan’s BJ League over a period of around 2 months. This is a summer league tryout for both players to test the waters against Japanese competition. If they prove their mettle and are able to compete at the highest level at the summer league, there may be opportunities for them with the National Basketball Development League, the development league for the Japan’s top professional basketball league, National Basketball League (NBL) and eventually, the NBL itself.

Harish Sharma Most Valuable Player Amritpal Singh (in white), playing for Uttarkhand, scores againt Tamil Nadu in the men’s finals of the 2014-15 Senior National Basketball Championship

Amjyot and Amritpal have been India’s top performers at FIBA Asia tournaments. Amjyot, 23, is a 6 foot 9 inch power forward who has the ability to stretch the floor. He plays for Tamil Nadu in national competitions through the Indian Overseas Bank. Amritpal, also 23, stands tall at 7 feet and plays the centre position. He represents Uttarakhand though ONGC in national competitions and was the MVP in the latest edition of the Senior National Basketball Championship.

A glimpse of the upcoming Ekalavyas’ exclusive interview with Amjyot Singh Gill

Ekalavyas caught up with both these players the day before they left for Japan. Stick and stay tuned to Ekalavyas.com for the full-length interviews of these two pathbreaking players, where they talk about their expectations, issues they might face in Japan and the excitement they are feeling about this opportunity. Coming soon…

My prayers and best wishes to these players who have made India proud..wherever and whatever the level of game be, Basketball is game of fundamentals..remember to box out the opponent in defense rebound before looking at the flight of the ball..it increases many fold the chances of rebound grab…and once grabbed quickly sent out that outlet pass accurately and run to attack in the offense..improve individual skill, styles and efficiency but play to the team plan..Japan players are good but not too much above us..and our players having good height may be this is the best platform for them to excel..playing for a university, they can spare some time to learn something also other than basketball. .so, remember fundamentals..that is the key..may look elementary but only that works..best of luck..God bless..